Device for removing building material

ABSTRACT

A device capable of being attached to a work machine and which is designed to remove fireproofing, insulation and other material from buildings. The device includes a brush element that, when in contact with the material, rotates and strips the material from the building. The device is elevated by the work machine to contact the material to be stripped. This enables rapid clearing of the material with significantly fewer personnel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to work machines. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to attachments for workmachines.

BACKGROUND

A variety of work machines are used in construction to accomplish tasksthat would be time-consuming, dangerous, physically impossible, orotherwise suboptimal to do through manual labour. Work machines oftencomprise a prime mover, operated by an operator or operators, variousattachments, and other useful features.

Attachments are used to accomplish many of the tasks performed by workmachines. Such attachments may range from a simple plough attachment tomove dirt to complex robotics that may complete specialized tasks.Attachments may be powered through a variety of means, such ashydraulics, electricity, the engine of the prime mover, or theattachments may simply rely on their dead weight.

Skid-steer loaders are a particular type of wheeled and self-propelledwork machine characterized by a differential steering system, aresulting narrow turning radius, and a small size relative to other workmachines used in construction. Skid-steer loaders are one of the mostcommon self-propelled work machines used in construction.

Because of these characteristics, skid-steer loaders have a wide rangeof uses. Skid-steer loaders are particularly useful where their size ormanoeuvrability address the inherent limitations of a job. Skid-steerloaders are frequently used in excavation, land clearing, palletlifting, snow-blowing, and other applications. These applicationsrequire a wide range of attachments to accomplish their desiredoutcomes, and skid-steer loaders are designed to readily accommodatesuch attachments.

Despite the versatility of work machines, many construction tasks arestill accomplished by hand. One such task is the removal of fireproofingand insulation during building remediation or renovation. Thesematerials presently require painstaking removal by manually scrapingthem from structural features of a building. When a building isparticularly large or has a large amount of these materials to beremoved, such removal may require hundreds, or even thousands, ofman-hours.

The removal of these materials is a laborious and repetitive task, yetthere is not presently a satisfactory high-volume, low-cost solution toreplace manual labour. Complicating the search for such a solution isthe fact that removing these materials takes place mainly indoors and inolder buildings, which limits the size and manoeuverability of workmachines that may be used.

Despite these limitations, the use of a self-propelled work machine suchas a skid-steer loader is highly desirable because such machines maydramatically reduce the number of man-hours, and therefore the cost,required to complete a task. Using an attachment on a versatile machineis also considerably less expensive than procuring and maintaining apurpose-built machine.

It is therefore desirable to provide a solution that comprises a devicefor a work machine to remove fireproofing and insulation. Such asolution would have desirable speed and cost characteristics.

SUMMARY

This document discloses a device comprising a device for removingfireproofing or insulation from structural features of a building, anassociated arm, and a mounting mechanism by which the device attaches toa work machine. This documents further discloses a kit for assemblingthe above device. This document also discloses a method for removingfireproofing or insulation from the structural features of a building bymeans of such a device.

In a first aspect, this document discloses a device for removingbuilding material comprising: at least one brush element arranged alongan axis transverse to a direction of travel of a work machine; auniversal mounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate iscapable of removably attaching to said work machine; and an armconnecting said at least one brush element and said universal mountingplate, wherein said arm is designed to raise, lower, and maintain saiddevice in an elevated position so as to put said at least one brushelement in contact with said building material, wherein said at leastone brush element is connected to a drive unit, and wherein said driveunit powers the rotation of said at least one brush element around saidaxis.

In another aspect, this document discloses a method for removingbuilding material using a device comprising: at least one brush elementarranged along an axis transverse to a direction of travel of a workmachine; a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mountingplate is capable of removably attaching to said work machine; and an armconnecting said at least one brush element and said universal mountingplate, wherein said arm is designed to raise, lower, and maintain saiddevice in an elevated position so as to put said at least one brushelement in contact with said building material, wherein said at leastone brush element is connected to a drive unit, and wherein said driveunit powers the rotation of said at least one brush element around saidaxis, said method comprising: engaging said building material with anouter surface of said at least one brush element; rotating said at leastone brush element relative to said building material; stripping saidbuilding material from a zone of structural elements of a building;moving said at least one brush element in a direction of travel of saidwork machine; and removing said stripped building material from a workenvironment, said engaging step comprising elevating said at least onebrush element so as to put it in contact with said building material,and said moving step comprising moving the at least one brush element toa different zone of said structural elements.

In another aspect, this document discloses a kit for assembly of adevice for removing building material, comprising: a brush unitcomprising at least one brush element and a housing; an arm unitcomprising at least one of: at least one telescopic section, at leastone rigid structural member, and at least one connection joint; and amounting unit comprising a universal mounting plate, wherein saiduniversal mounting plate is capable of removably attaching to a workmachine.

In another aspect, this document discloses a kit for assembly of adevice for removing building material, comprising: a brush unitcomprising at least one brush element and a housing capable of removableattachment of said at least one brush element; an arm unit comprising atleast one of: at least one telescopic section, at least one rigidstructural member, and at least one connection joint; a mounting unitcomprising a universal mounting plate, wherein said universal mountingplate is capable of removably attaching to a work machine; and a driveunit capable of connecting to said brush unit and thereby rotating saidat least one brush element.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device in an elevated positionaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a brush unit according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a motive unit for the brush unit shown in FIG.1 .

FIG. 5A is a front view of the male end of a flat joint according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the female end of a flat joint according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a connection joint.

LIST OF FEATURES

-   -   1—Device    -   2—Work machine    -   3—Work-machine elevation arm    -   4—Work-machine elevation mechanism    -   5—Work-machine chassis    -   6—Work-machine cab    -   7—Work-machine wheel    -   8—Operator    -   9—Work-machine attachment interface    -   10—Universal mounting plate    -   11—Connection joint    -   12—Arm    -   13—Brush unit    -   14—Brush housing    -   15—Brush element    -   16—Axle rotating around axis A    -   17—Brush guard    -   100—Terminal return hose    -   101—Hydraulic motor    -   102—Terminal outflow hose    -   103—Hose spacer    -   104—Distal arm section    -   105—Flat joint    -   106—Threaded bolt    -   106 a—Threaded bolt    -   107—Threaded nut    -   108—Medial arm section    -   109—Proximal arm section    -   110—Mounting brace    -   111—Main outflow hose    -   112—Main return hose    -   113—Quick connector    -   114—Return hydraulic nozzle    -   115—Outflow hydraulic nozzle    -   200—Bristles    -   201—Brush support arm    -   202—Brush-housing crossbar    -   203—Brush angle joint    -   204—Angled hydraulic connector    -   300—Chain guide    -   301—Drive cog    -   302—Chain    -   303—Chain cover    -   304—Brush cog    -   400—Flat joint female end    -   401—Flat joint receiving shaft    -   402—Flat washer    -   403—Flat joint male end    -   404—Flat joint coupling shaft    -   405—Bolt hole    -   500—Retention strap    -   501—Connection joint male end    -   502—Connection joint female end    -   503—Clevis pin    -   504—Split ring    -   506—Female end brace bar    -   507—Connection joint brace plate

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document discloses a device capable of being attached to a workmachine and which is designed to remove fireproofing, insulation, andother material from buildings. The device comprises a brush elementthat, when in contact with the material, rotates and strips the materialfrom the building. The device is elevated by the work machine to contactthe material to be stripped. This enables rapid clearing of the materialwith significantly fewer personnel.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a device 1 for removing building material isshown in perspective view. The device 1 is removably attached to a workmachine 2 by means of a universal mounting plate 10 that is attached toan arm 12. A universal mounting plate 10 removably attaches to the workmachine 2 via a work-machine attachment interface 9. The work-machineattachment interface 9 is, according to one embodiment, designed to fita variety of attachments for the work machine 2 and to allow theattachments to be readily switched. This allows the operator 8 of thework machine 2 to readily exchange attachments, thereby allowing thework machine 2 to accomplish a wide range of functions.

The work machine 2 is able to elevate the device 1 through awork-machine elevation mechanism 4, which is controlled by the operator8. Details of the elevation mechanism 4 itself and its constituent partsare considered well understood in the work machine art and therefore notfurther described herein. The work-machine elevation mechanism 4 mayraise the device 1 so as to place brush element 15 of the device 1 incontact with building material, such as fireproofing and/or insulationlocated on a building ceiling or wall. The work-machine elevationmechanism 4 raises and lowers a work-machine elevation arm 3 on whichthe work-machine attachment interface 9 is mounted. By way of thepresent invention, the operator 8 therefore has the ability to adjustthe vertical position of the device 1 from the work-machine cab 6 whenthe work-machine elevation mechanism 4 is engaged.

Adjusting the vertical position of the device 1 allows the brush element15 to contact a variety of elevated surfaces. Those elevated surfacesmay be previously coated with fireproofing, insulation, or othermaterials, and may be on any variety of structural elements of buildingsincluding, but not limited to, ceilings, walls, beams, and columns. Thebrush element 15 contacting the building material and itself rotatingallows the stripping of the building material from the structuralelements of the building.

The brush element 15 is held within a brush housing 14 by means ofclamps, screws, bolts, or other fasteners, which enables the integrationof the brush unit 13 with the rest of the device 1. The brush element ismounted on an axle 16, which rotates according to an axis A. In apreferred embodiment, the axis A is transverse to a direction of motionof the work machine 2. The brush unit 13 comprises the brush element 15,the axle 16, the brush housing 14, and an optional brush guard 17.

The brush guard 17 protects the brush element 15 from foreign objects.The brush guard 17 also protects the operator 8, workers, and othersurrounding objects from being ensnared in the rotating brush element15. In a further embodiment, the brush guard 17 may serve as a mountingplatform for further devices used to remove from the work environmentany building material after it has been stripped. Such further devices(not shown) may include a spade or a material gathering apparatus suchas a vacuum device, a scoop, or plough that facilitates safe collectionof the stripped material.

The arm 12 serves a variety of purposes. As clear from the illustration,the arm 12 displaces the universal mounting plate 10 relative to thebrush unit 13. However, the arm 12 also extends the length of theoverall device 1, thereby allowing the brush element 15 to come intocontact with the building material to be stripped such as within abuilding with tall ceilings. In a preferred embodiment, the arm 12includes a connection joint 11. While the connection joint 11 asillustrated is shown welded at a fixed angle, it should be understoodthat the connection joint allows for different angles at which the brushunit 13 approaches the building material. This angle may affect theefficacy of the removal of the building material as well as themanoeuverability of the device 1 within the building. Thus, the angle bywhich the arm 12 is fixed relative to the universal mounting plate 10determines the overall range of use of the device 1. When combined withelevating the device 1 through the work-machine elevation arm 3 andmechanism 4, this allows the operator 8 to optimize contact with thebuilding material. For some implementations, it may be preferred thatthe axis of rotation A is parallel to the plane of the surface to whichthe building material is to be removed from.

Removing a suitable amount (i.e., stripping most or all) of the buildingmaterial from the given building surface(s) also requires that thedevice 1 access as much of the area coated by the building material asis possible. As described above, this requires that the brush element 15contact the building material. To do so, the work machine 2 may advancein a direction of travel due to the use of work-machine wheels 7 orother motive means (e.g., tracks or the like) while the operator 8 ispresent in the work-machine cab 6. The work-machine cab 6 may have avariety of implements (not shown), such as steering and drivingmechanisms or mirrors to allow the operator 8 to visualize the elevatedsurface contacted by the brush element 15. Such implements are beyondthe scope of the intended invention and not described in further detail.This motorized advancement of the work machine 2 allows the device 1 toaccess a large area coated by the building material in a short amount oftime, thereby stripping building material at a much faster rate and amore efficient manner than a human using manual tools or hand-heldabrasion machines.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a side view of the device 1 is shown. The arm12 is shown to connect the brush unit 13 to the universal mounting plate10, which itself connects to the work machine 2. The connecting featuresof the arm 12 are further shown according to a preferred embodiment. Thebrush unit 13 connects to a distal arm section 104, which joins a medialarm section 108 by means of a flat joint 105. In an example embodiment,the flat joint is secured by threaded bolts 106 and threaded nuts 107.The use of a flat joint 105 between the distal arm section 104 and themedial arm section 108 enables the operator 8 or other workers toquickly change the distal arm section 104 between different lengthswithout adjusting the connection joint 11. This may be accomplished byinsertion of an extension arm (not shown) at the point of connection ofthe flat joint 105. As should be readily apparent, this allows thedevice 1 to reach higher areas (e.g. higher ceilings) without changingthe angle at which the brush unit 13 approaches the building material.

The connection joint 11 couples the medial arm section 108 and aproximal arm section 109. The proximal arm section 109 lengthens theoverall arm 12 while also providing clearance between the work machine 2and the device 1. In a further embodiment, the connection joint 11 maycomprise a variety of joint types that allow further adjustment andrange of the angle between the medial arm section 108 and the proximalarm section 109. In another embodiment, the arm may include additionalarm sections (not shown) joined by connection joints 11, flat joints105, or other joint types such as an articulating joint. This wouldallow for improved height, manoeuvrability, reach, and othercharacteristics to enable more efficient stripping of building material.

The arm 12 also provides support and guidance for a system for drivingthe rotation of the brush element 15. Such guidance prevents elements ofthe system from becoming entangled with obstacles in the workenvironment. An example of such a drive system to power the attachmentis further depicted in FIG. 4 . In an exemplary embodiment, the drivesystem is hydraulic, which has the benefit of connecting to existinghydraulic and/or drive systems in many different types of work machinesincluding, but not limited to, skid-steer loaders, tractors,mini-excavators, and the like. In this example, hydraulic fluid flowsout of an outflow hydraulic nozzle 115 through a main outflow hose 111.The main outflow hose 111 may be attached to the outflow hydraulicnozzle 115 by means of, for example, a quick connector 113. The benefitof using such a quick connector 113 is that the main outflow hose 111may be readily detached from and attached to the outflow hydraulicnozzle 115, allowing for a quicker detachment or attachment between thetwo. This is of particular benefit should the device 1 be moved to adifferent work machine 2. It should further be understood that while aparticular length of hydraulic hose is shown, any suitable length orextensions to such length may be used without straying from the intendedscope of the present invention. Indeed, any increase in the length ofthe arm through additional arm sections as mentioned above may alsorequire a corresponding extension to the hydraulic hoses.

In this embodiment, the hydraulic fluid then flows through the mainoutflow hose 111 to a hose spacer 103. The hose spacer 103 provides arigid means of spacing the main outflow hose 111 and main return hose112. This prevents rubbing and chafing between the main outflow hose 111and main return hose 112, which may lead to leaks. Leaks in thehydraulic system would result in a loss of power as well ascontamination of the work environment with hydraulic fluid.

The hose spacer 103 also connects the main outflow hose 111 with aterminal outflow hose 102, which in turn connects to a hydraulic motor101. Using the hose spacer 103 in this way allows for the main outflowhose 111 to be changed to alter the length of the hose 111, whileavoiding the need to reseal the connection between the terminal outflowhose 102 and the hydraulic motor 101. This is helpful when changing thelength of the distal arm section 104, as the length of the main outflowhose 111 must correspondingly change to ensure a continuous hydraulicline between the outflow hydraulic hose 115 and the hydraulic motor 101.

The hydraulic motor 101, in this example embodiment, powers the rotationof the brush element 15. The mechanism of this example will be furtherdescribed in FIG. 4 . Once the hydraulic fluid reaches the hydraulicmotor 101, the hydraulic fluid returns to the work machine 2 by exitingthe hydraulic motor 101 and entering a terminal return hose 100. Theterminal return hose 100 connects to the hose spacer 103, which in turnconnects to the main return hose 112. The hydraulic fluid then flowsthrough the main return hose 112 to the return hydraulic nozzle 114.Again, the main return hose 112 and return hydraulic nozzle 114 may beconnected by a quick connector 113. This creates a complete hydrauliccircuit that powers the hydraulic motor 101, and, by extension, therotation of the brush element 15.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a bottom view of a brush unit 13 is shown. Onebrush element 15 is shown, though multiple brush elements may be used inseries or parallel configurations. The brush element 15 is arrangedalong an axle 16, with an axis of rotation A that is preferably arrangedas being transverse to a direction of travel of the work machine 2.Multiple brush elements may be arranged along additional axles (notshown) and may rotate in a same or different direction as the brushelement 15, depending on the building material to be removed and otherfactors.

The brush element 15 includes a plurality of bristles 200, which are thesmallest structures that contact the building material to be stripped.While in this example embodiment the bristles 200 are arranged so as toform a cylindrical brush element 15, the bristles 200 may also bearranged to form different shapes to better match structural elements,such as corners or I-beams, of the building to be stripped. The texture,stiffness, and other characteristics of the bristles 200 are preferablymatched to the composition of the building material to be stripped. Asan example, removal of hardened fireproofing material may require stiffbristles 200.

The brush element 15 is supported by the brush housing 14. In an exampleembodiment, the brush housing 14 includes a brush support arm 201, abrush-housing crossbar 202, and another brush support arm 201. The axle16 and the brush-housing crossbar 202 link the two brush support arms201. This brush housing 14 provides a rigid supportive frame around thebrush element 15, and forms, together with the brush element 14 and axle16, an example of a brush unit 13.

The brush-housing crossbar 202 is removably attached to the distal armsection 104 by means of a brush angle joint 203. This brush angle joint203, in an example embodiment, attaches to the distal arm section 104through threaded bolts 106, 106 a and corresponding threaded nuts 107.Like the flat joint 105 at the opposite end of the distal arm section104, the brush angle joint 203 may allow the distal arm section 104 tobe changed out to adjust the overall length of the arm 12. Dependingupon the implementation of the invention and the building environment inwhich the invention is used, it should be understood that the brushangle joint 203 may also be configured to allow the angle between thebrush-housing crossbar 202 and the distal arm section 104 to be altered.This may be accomplished by providing additional holes (not shown) inthe plate that forms the brush angle joint 203 for reinsertion ofthreaded bolts 106 and rotating the brush housing 14 about a pivot pointcreated by the centrally located threaded bolt 106 a.

In this example embodiment, the brush housing 14 also provides anattachment point for a drive mechanism, which in this example embodimentincludes a hydraulically actuated motor 101. Angled hydraulic connectors204 connect the terminal outflow hose 102 and terminal return hose 100to the hydraulic motor 101 through threaded nuts 107. These angledhydraulic connectors 204 and threaded nuts 107 provide a secure,compact, and durable connection to the other elements of the hydraulicsystem. It should be understood that any other type of hydraulicconnection or fitting may be used in addition to or in lieu of theangled hydraulic connectors 204.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a side view of an example embodiment of adrive system for the brush element 15 is shown. The hydraulic motor 101is attached to a drive cog 301. The brush element 15 is similarlyattached to a brush cog 304. The drive cog 301 and brush cog 304 arecoupled by a chain 302. The chain 302 is guided by a chain guide 300 toprevent the chain 302 from falling off or becoming ensnared. A chaincover 303 also protects the chain 302, drive cog 301, and brush cog 304.

While FIG. 4 provides for a hydraulic drive system, the drive systemcould also be powered by other means. For example, the drive system mayalso be powered by electricity, the engine of the work machine 2,direct-drive, or other suitable means. These may be more or lessdesirable depending on the task to be accomplished.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, disconnected views of the flat joint105 are shown. FIG. 5A shows a flat joint male end 403 and FIG. 5B showsa flat joint female end 400. The flat joint male end 403 has a series ofbolt holes 405 that allow threaded bolts 106 to enter. In this exampleembodiment, flat washers 402 are used to prevent stress on the boltholes 405 and flat joint 105 from the heads of the threaded bolts 106. Aflat joint coupling shaft 404 extends from the flat joint male end 403into a flat joint receiving shaft 401 contained within the flat jointfemale end 400. This enables a piloted connection as well as providingadditional reinforcement and stability for the flat joint 105.

In this example embodiment, the flat joint 105 connects the distal armsection 104 to the medial arm section 108, but additional flat joints105 (not shown) may be used to connect further arm sections.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a top view of a connection joint 11 is shown.The medial arm section 108 includes a connection joint male end 501,which is shaped so as to be received by a connection joint female end502. Generally speaking, this manner of connecting is akin to a standardsleeve-type hitch connection. The connection joint female end 502extends from a female end brace bar 506. In this example embodiment, thefemale end brace bar 506 is welded to an end of the medial arm section108, though the female end brace bar 506 may be attached in a variety ofways and may be attached to other arm sections where a connection joint11 is desirable. A connection joint brace plate 507 is attached to thetop of the female end brace bar 506 to enable firm attachment to theconnection joint male end 501 and provide extra stabilization andsupport.

The connection joint male end 501 is a protrusion of the universalmounting plate 10. Mounting braces 111 provide stability and rigidity tothe connection joint male end 501 so as to prevent the weight of the arm12 and the brush unit 13 from bending the connection joint male end 501.The connection joint male end 501 inserts into the connection jointfemale end 502. In this example embodiment, the connection joint braceplate 507 is held against the connection joint male end 501 by means ofa threaded bolt 106, a flat washer 402, and a threaded nut 107.

In this example embodiment, the connection joint brace plate 507 and theconnection joint male end 501 are further secured together by a clevispin 503. The clevis pin 503 is held in place by a split ring 504, thoughan R-clip, cotter pin, or other means may be used. A retention strap 500is connected between the split ring 504 and the connection joint maleend 501 for added security.

The connection joint 11 allows for an angle between the connected armsections. The connection joint 11 may allow for adjustment and for avariation of the range of the angle between the medial arm section 108and the proximal arm section 109. For example, changing the anglebetween the medial arm section 108 and the female end brace bar 506would change the angle of the overall connection joint 11. Though shownwelded together at a predetermined angle, it should be understood thatother mechanisms of adjusting the angle may also be envisioned withoutstraying from the intended scope of the present invention.

In a further embodiment, a variety of attachments may be devised toattach to the device 1. For example, a vacuum device may be added toremove any building material from the work environment after thebuilding material has been stripped. A scoop or plough may also be usedto push the stripped building material into a pile or a receptacle foreasy disposal by hand. Other devices, such as a spade or a chisel point,which can be used for the removal and/or stripping of building materialmay also be used.

The above features allow the device 1 to accomplish the task of rapidlystripping building material, such as fireproofing or insulation, from abuilding. The device 1 also does this with only an operator 8 or a smallnumber of other workers, creating substantial labour savings. The device1 is safer as fewer workers are exposed to potentially dangerousbuildings. As a removable attachment for a work machine 2, the device 1is less expensive to procure and maintain than a purpose-built machine.

The elevation of the arm 12 allows the device 1 to reach elevatedsurfaces, such as a ceiling, without requiring the use of scaffolding orladders. The motion of the work machine 2 is rapid compared with thelaborious task of setting up or moving scaffolding. The various anglesthat may be created using the connection joint 12 allows the device 1 toreach building material that would be inaccessible by other means.Accordingly, through the present invention, the collection of featuresdisclosed provides for a suitable solution to remove building material.

In another variant, the present invention may use a remotely controlledpivoting joint that allows the attachment to be rotated such that theaxis of rotation A can be parallel to a surface with the material to beremoved. Control for this pivoting joint may be placed in the cab withthe operator so that the operator can rotate the attachment for betteraccess to the material to be removed. The pivoting joint and themechanism that allows for such remotely controlled pivoting may behydraulically powered or it may be electrically powered.

A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternativestructures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which areintended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in theclaims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A device for removing building material comprising: atleast one brush element arranged along an axis transverse to a directionof travel of a work machine; a universal mounting plate, wherein saiduniversal mounting plate is removably attached to said work machine; andan arm connecting said at least one brush element and said universalmounting plate, wherein said arm is configured to position and maintainsaid device in an elevated position to engage said at least one brushelement with said building material, wherein said at least one brushelement is connected to a drive unit, and wherein said drive unit powersa rotation of said at least one brush element about said axis.
 2. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said building material includes atleast one of: fireproofing and insulation.
 3. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said at least one brush element is of a substantiallycylindrical shape.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said atleast one brush element includes bristles, and wherein said bristles areof a sufficient stiffness for removing said building material.
 5. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said arm further includes at leastone connection joint, wherein said connection joint includes a lockingmechanism for fixing the joint in a predetermined position.
 6. Thedevice according to claim 5, wherein said arm further includes anextendable section.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein saidwork machine is a skid-steer loader.
 8. The device according to claim 1,wherein said drive unit is powered by at least one of: hydraulic,electric, engine-transmission, and direct-drive means.
 9. The deviceaccording to claim 8, wherein said drive unit is further connected tosaid work machine by at least one of: hydraulic, electric, andengine-transmission means.
 10. A method for removing building materialusing a device having: at least one brush element arranged along an axistransverse to a direction of travel of a work machine, a universalmounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable ofremovably attaching to said work machine, an arm connecting said atleast one brush element and said universal mounting plate, wherein saidarm is configured to position and maintain said device in an elevatedposition so as to engage said at least one brush element with saidbuilding material, wherein said at least one brush element is connectedto a drive unit, and wherein said drive unit powers the rotation of saidat least one brush element around said axis, said method comprisingsteps including: engaging said building material with an outer surfaceof said at least one brush element; rotating said at least one brushelement relative to said building material; stripping said buildingmaterial from a zone of structural elements of a building; moving saidat least one brush element in a direction of travel of said workmachine; and removing said stripped building material from a workenvironment, said engaging step includes elevating said at least onebrush element to enable contact with said building material, and saidmoving step includes moving the at least one brush element to adifferent zone of said structural elements.
 11. The method according toclaim 10, wherein said removing step includes using a suction apparatus,and wherein said suction apparatus removes said stripped buildingmaterial from said work environment.
 12. A kit for assembly of a devicefor removing building material, comprising: a brush unit including atleast one brush element and a housing capable of removable attachment ofsaid at least one brush element; an arm unit including at least one of:at least one extendable section, at least one rigid structural member,and at least one connection joint; a mounting unit including a universalmounting plate, wherein said universal mounting plate is capable ofremovably attaching to a work machine; and a drive unit for connectingto said brush unit and thereby rotating said at least one brush element.13. The kit according to claim 12, wherein said drive unit rotates saidat least one brush element using at least one of: hydraulic, electric,engine-transmission, and direct-drive means.
 14. The kit according toclaim 12, wherein said drive unit further includes a connection meansfor connecting said drive unit to said work machine.
 15. The kitaccording to claim 12, further comprising an installation manualcontaining instructions for a user to assemble of said device forremoving building material